| • |
The State of West Virginia spends more than $1 million annually to remove litter from state highways. |
| • |
The annual cost of roadside litter control nationwide is $115 million. |
| • |
Highway litter costs West Virginians:
- in tax dollars to clean up public areas
- by detracting from the natural beauty of the state
- by harming birds, animals and fish
- in road and water safety with hazards to motorists, bikers, hikers, picnickers and swimmers
- by degrading the quality of life in the state
- in economic development prospects choosing a cleaner site for new business
|
| • |
Highway litter is composed of 59 percent paper, 16 percent cans, 6 percent bottles, 6 percent plastics and 13 percent miscellaneous. |
| • |
The items most often found during litter cleanups are fast-food wrappers. |
| • |
The second-most-often found items are aluminum beer cans, followed very closely by soda cans. |
| • |
Cigarette butts are not considered when addressing litter cleanups programs. However, they are the most littered item in the world and are toxic to the environment.
For additional information: http://www.cigarettelitter.org/ |
| • |
Eight sources of litter are:
- motorists
- pedestrians
- uncovered trucks
- improperly contained household garbage
- improper commercial bins
- improperly contained construction litter
- improperly handled loading dock litter
- boaters
|